About Paul W.

I tailor all my lessons to the individual students interests and wants. Whatever your goals are, I'll help you get there.

About Paul

I have played the guitar for twenty years and have studied a wide variety of music including jazz, classical, folk, blues and rock. I’m skilled in acoustic, electric and classical styles of the guitar. I have an open mind about music and can appreciate any style or type. I have a firm background on music theory, so I am able to explain what I am teaching. I excelled in all my classes in college, music and Gen Eds, with a GPA over 3.75. I also have experience in teaching guitar or bass to students ranging from the ages of six to sixty six. I enjoy taking what I have learned and passing it on to someone else to experience. I believe this is one way you can leave your mark in music. I believe the experience I have playing in bands, and learning songs with my ability of having relative pitch will make my students improve quicker. I am a

lso a very skilled sight reader and can recognize key signatures and musical notation. I’ve also been playing electric bass guitar for 13 years now and have the same skill set as my guitar playing. In fact I am hired to perform more often as a bassist than a guitarist.I went to Columbia College between 2000-2003 and I completed a Bachelor Arts in Music, Concentration: Instrument Performance.I also went to Harper College between 1997-2000 and I completed an Associates in Fine Arts of Music.

*** Lesson Details ***I tailor all my lessons to the individual students interests and wants.Whatever your goals are, I'll help you get there.If you just want to learn music theory or how to write a song, I can teach you all that and more. I will teach you how to read music but if you don't wan't to do that, I will teach you how to read tablature. I'll push you to learn your instrument and to practice but I won't force to practice anything that you are not interested in.After about 3-6 months of lessons with me you will be able to play songs that you wanted to learn and you will also know all the essential fun basics of your instrument.Learning the guitar or bass is fun! And as your teacher I will make you want to practice.

*** Studio Equipment ***Lessons will be downstairs which has music stands, guitars, cords and books.

*** Travel Equipment ***My guitar and music stand. They should have a guitar and an amp if needed.

Reviews

Dan L. March 6, 2018·Guitar·Online

I've tried to take guitar lessons a few times over the last few years and it's been difficult to find a good Instructor. In my experience the instructors I have found have either been flaky (canceling lessons, changing times last minute, hard to reach, etc...) or their teaching style is difficult to follow (unorganized or confusing). Paul is both very reliable and very organized. He's lessons are easy to follow and I feel like I am moving forward in a way that has purpose. I have not been working with him long but I already see big improvements because what he has me working on makes sense. Paul is also really personable and fun to work with. He is very patient and is the perfect combination of being focused but laid back at the same time. I am really enjoying my lessons with him.

Davide R. March 6, 2018·Blues Guitar·In studio

Amazing teacher.. super patient and happy person

Kaitlynn K. February 20, 2018·Acoustic Guitar·In studio

Incredibly friendly, knowledgeable, and encouraging! I’m a beginner and I felt very welcomed immediately.

Paul W.

Paul W.

About Ayme F.

I teach students from beginner to intermediate in music theory, chord and solo studies. From there we can get more advanced and work with song writing and more specific styles like flamenco and blues.

About Ayme

Music can be as simple or as intricate as you want to make it. I will to teach you how to make the most of whatever knowledge and skill you have and to have fun while you do it. My tastes are all across the board, rock and roll, country, metal, opera, I love it all. So, let me know what you are into and we can go from there.I started playing guitar about 20 years ago and have fronted several bands that have played all over Chicago and beyond. Although I have studied ethnomusicology, theory, and composition in college, I owe my greatest debt to the Chicago musicians who inspired and later taught me. I began my private studies in flamenco guitar with Tomas de Utrera, Kelan Phil Cohran voice and theory, Hamid Drake instructed me on hand drumming, and from Rockin' Johnny Burgin I learned about the soul of blues guitar. Music is my first

love, and continues to be an endless fascination for me.

*** Lesson Details ***I believe the pursuit of musical knowledge and skill should be a fun adventure and therefore, in each and every lesson with me I hope that there is laughter. I like to start off finding out what you are interested in learning, then I will create a curriculum based on those interests. I like to get students going right away playing songs so they don't get bored. By the end of three months you should have a nice little repertoire of 6 or so songs in different keys and a beginning knowledge of your instrument and by six months we will have moved into scales, solos and a bit of theory based on your progression.

*** Studio Equipment ***Living room, street parking. I have plenty of guitars, amps, pedals and tuners here. I also have audio recording software so we can record your lesson.

*** Travel Equipment ***I have guitar and tuner, student should also have a guitar.

*** Specialties ***I would say I am best a teaching rock and blues guitar. I have also studied theory and flamenco guitar and would be able to teach beginners.

...

Reviews

Sudhir N. February 4, 2018·Flamenco Guitar·Online

It was a very good session. Although it’s quite a challenge to see the exact strokes and finger movements online during the class

Anibal February 3, 2018·Guitar·Online

Very patient and focused on incremental development of technique and understanding of theory, rather than just playing a song.

Allison January 8, 2017·Guitar·In studio

Allie really enjoyed her first lesson with Ayme! She was so excited to come home and practice!

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Ayme F.

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Ayme F.

Chicago, IL 60625

(13)

starting at

$25
/ 30-min

About Daniel K.

About Daniel

Daniel, a former faculty member of Columbia College in Chicago, is a studio and live performance singer and musician based in Chicago. His teaching and performing experience spans three decades, and includes expertise in the studies of voice, guitar, piano, bass, drums, and trumpet, along with music theory, arranging, and composing. He is a Lincoln Academy Student Laureate who holds a BA in Music Composition, and has attended graduate courses in education at Roosevelt University and DePaul University in Chicago. He has taught students of all ages at private studios, public school, and college.

Daniel is described by his students as a natural teacher. He prefers to be regarded as an advancing student, and takes the journey along with his students to guide them towards their goals with a friendly, positive, efficient and productive appro

ach. He feels that music is within all of us, and a desire to learn is a sign of talent, so anyone can develop their musical abilities with methodical practice.

The musical journey for Daniel began at an early age with trumpet and piano studies which became a passion for him by the age of 14. He was the drum major of the high school marching band, and successfully completed a paid contract to arrange music for the high school jazz band which performed in a state beauty pageant. He began teaching privately after high school, and continued playing in bands, and composing original music. He formed a professional jazz ensemble under the name of the Chicago Jazz Players by the age of 22, and developed his arranging techniques while having it performed by an eighteen piece orchestra consisting of many great local artists. It was in this environment that he gained experience with brass, woodwinds, and rhythm instruments. He was granted a position at Columbia College as an instructor at age 29 where he taught theory, sight singing, musicianship, ear training, harmony, orchestration, and composition. He scored the music for several plays, and conducted his own pieces with Chicago Symphony and Lyric Opera Players. During those years he found himself playing the guitar and singing more than anything else. It was in 1995 that he focused on singing and playing the guitar with his rock band. He has produced several CD recordings of his original music in his own studio, and has helped produce local bands and artists. He performs regularly in the Chicago area.

*** Lesson Details ***Daniel exhibits patience and care with each student, and develops an individualized approach based on clear goals with practical procedures. Most beginners can expect to have a working knowledge of music notation and how it applies to their instrument within three months, and should be developing fluency in performing music that they enjoy within six months. Advancing students will enjoy the rewards that will follow by studying with an experienced teaching musician that will recognize strengths and weaknesses, and recommend proven techniques for personal musical development. Studying music should be fun, fulfilling, and in harmony with the needs and desires of the student, and this is key to the philosophy held by Daniel.

*** Travel Equipment ***I can provide lesson materials, and always have a metronome with me. I expect the student to have an instrument. I prefer that a student has a music stand.

*** Specialties ***Customized approach to the individual based on needs and goals.

...

Reviews

Shane H. February 27, 2018·Singing·In studio

Daniel is warm and friendly. He warmed up my voice, assessed my needs, and developed a technique-based plan for moving forward... and all this in my first session. I'm thrilled!

Adi S. November 16, 2017·Saxophone·In studio

Daniel is the best teacher I have found.He is truly invested in your child's learning n progress.My son loved him.Im now enrolling my second child with him.He has great integrity and I learned so much from him about work ethic.Ok

Manny S. November 15, 2017·Saxophone·In studio

Dan was great. Very patient with me.

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Daniel K.

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Daniel K.

Chicago, IL 60613

(31)

starting at

$34
/ 30-min

About Cheryl S.

Your guitar lessons will be focused upon helping you reach your goals, learn guitar technique, and explore music of interest to you taught by an experienced music teacher. Using a variety of resources, you will develop technique, musicianship, and knowledge of music theory, composition, music history, and world music. Studio concerts, family field trips, and workshops are offered throughout the year. I hold bachelors and masters degrees in music education as well as an Indiana Professional Educator License in Music. I have been teaching music lessons for 17 years. Contact me today to learn how I can help you reach your goals!

About Cheryl

Hello! My name is Cheryl, and I would be delighted to help you reach your music goals! I've been teaching private lessons and classes since 2000. Helping students learn how to play their instruments and develop a life-long appreciation of music is my passion. I hold bachelors and masters degree in music education as well as music teacher licenses in Indiana, Illinois, and California. I have been recognized in the publications "Who's Who Among America's Teachers" and the Rancho Santa Margarita Patch "Whiz Biz". My teaching style is student-centered, goal-oriented, and fun. I look forward to helping you reach your goals!

...

Reviews

Jennifer February 9, 2018·Clarinet·In studio

Cheryl is extremely knowledgeable in the field of music. We have been very pleased with all the lessons. She is very friendly and patient. My daughter looks forward to her lessons each week. Since my daughter has started taking lessons, she has improved greatly!

Madison September 9, 2017·Flute·In studio

Cheryl is a very friendly instructor. She has extensive knowledge in music and instruments. She is patient and willing to explain any questions you may have. I highly recommend Cheryl to anyone that is looking for an instructor.

Jim June 30, 2017·Saxophone·In studio

Very technique orinated. Will sign up for more lessons with her

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Cheryl S.

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Cheryl S.

Highland, IN 46322

(9)

starting at

$30
/ 30-min

About Paul W.

I combine guitar pedagogy, music theory, and musicality to teaching all styles. I tailor my teaching to the students needs, desires, and interests and I strive to make every lesson a fun and educational experience. We'll work on

About Paul

I am a classically trained guitarist whose mission is to help my students reach their goals while inspiring a love and passion for music. Never picked up a guitar before? No problem! You’ll be playing your favorite songs in no time. Been playing for years but need a little help overcoming that next hurdle? Great! You’ll be playing better and with more confidence than ever before. In order to truly improve you need determination and dedication, and that’s why I try to keep things fun and inspired from the very first lesson.

...

Reviews

I am very lucky to have Paul as my classical guitar instructor. He is very good and patient with me, teaching and explaining me sight reading skills in details. I really like his fast forward teaching methods which encourage and motivate me to study guitar more and more. Thank you Paul for being my guitar teacher.

Chloe January 3, 2018·Guitar·Online

Great first lesson. Paul was informative and patient. Glad we found Take Lessons.

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Paul W.

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Paul W.

Chicago, IL 60618

(18)

starting at

$25
/ 30-min

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About Cameron R.

I will teach you what you need to know to achieve your personal goals. If you want to make a living as a performing musician, we will go over recording and studio work, and information related to getting gigs. If you want to learn songs, we will focus on exactly that. I will not teach you information that is not beneficial to you and your individual dreams.

About Cameron

I'm a 22 year old guitarist and composer, with an education from Berklee College of Music. I am an active session guitarist and songwriter for myself and others. I can teach you how to reach your goals as a musician or songwriter. I have extensive recording and studio experience. I will teach you what is necessary for you to reach your goals. If you are interested in just learning songs, I will not focus on theory or songwriting. If you want to learn how to compose music, I will teach you about harmony and what makes the difference between a good song and a hit song. I can also help you get accepted to any music school in the country. The truth is, most popular songs only require a small amount of chord knowledge to be played on guitar, and I would love to make that happen for you.

My guitar lessons do not have a set curriculum, becaus

e the curriculum is made individually for each student, depending on their goals, strengths, and interests. I have always strived for my guitar lessons and teaching style to bring the student to the point that they truly want to be at. Many other teachers and music schools will teach you strands of information that may have been interesting to them, but the same might not be true for the student. We are all individuals and have different tastes, and the lesson plans must take that into account. I am here to help students achieve their goals and desires on the instrument, and that is why my lessons stand out.

My new studio is located in the South Loop of Chicago, IL and has all the equipment to help making guitar has easy as it can be.

As my student, you will have access to my studio and able to record your own music and ideas anytime.

I have played guitar in professionally produced musicals such as "Godspell" and "Once Upon A Mattress." I have also been a pit guitarist for high school and middle school show choirs, requiring excellent reading skills and on the spot adaptation to changes.

...

Reviews

Roger .. March 15, 2017·Guitar·Online

Cameron is great. He is very interested in my progress and has a wealth of experience to share. He's always looking for student feedback to ensure you are getting just what you want. I am looking forward to my next lesson.

In case you have any doubts on what teacher to select, go watch his videos. He is a monster player with lots of singing in his note choice and phrasing. He is a top musician.

Nick January 30, 2016·Guitar·In studio

Great knowledge of guitar, music theory and composition. Cameron will keep you on track and focused on what you want to learn.

Tessa January 23, 2016·Guitar·In studio

Cameron was one of the best teachers i have ever come into contact with. What struck me most was his patience, understanding and independent thinking. He was very observant of what worked best for me and he made the teaching program fit my speed and comfortability,while at the same time pushing me out of my comfort zone. Cameron is very thorough and fills his lessons with personal experiences of his own,new ways of thinking, good starting points and things to remember. Feel free to ask him questions about whatever is on your mind when it comes to guitar playing. With Cameron's knowledge, he will leave you with new ways of thinking about guitar, questions answered, and a new understanding. I would strongly suggest sharing the knowledge given to you by Cameron with everyone you know. His lessons are accurate, thorough, and factual. I would recommend him to anyone, especially people who want the best for their money and for their time.

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Cameron R.

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Cameron R.

Chicago, IL 60605

(4)

starting at

$30
/ 30-min

About Mason J.

I'm a professional guitarist that will teach you what you want to learn and also give you the skills to sound out music on your own.

About Mason

I started playing guitar when I was 9 and taught myself how to play by listening to recordings and sounding them out. I have taught private lessons for 10 years and group/private lessons prior to that. I've played at Green Mill Jazz Club for 13 years, Millenium Park, Schuba's, Double Door, The MCA, Andy's, pretty much all venues in Chicago... and have toured the country. I play many music styles, so I can teach you mostly anything.

...

Reviews

John Mundt January 17, 2017·Guitar·

First lesson went great. Jason listened to what I was hoping to work on and has put together a plan to do that. Looking forward to see where this takes me.

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Mason J.

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Mason J.

Chicago, IL 60641

(1)

starting at

$44
/ 30-min

About Zac E.

About Zac

Hello! My name is Zac Emry and I am a music business major at Columbia College Chicago. I love music in all capacities. I also have an associates degree in electric bass from Sauk Valley Community College. Hopefully I can use Take Lessons to spread my love of music and to help myself stay practiced and engaged in playing music.

...

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Zac E.

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Zac E.

Chicago, IL 60618

starting at

$20
/ 30-min

About Curtis J.

Experienced teacher of 10 years, specializing in the beginner/intermediate guitar/bass student! All ages welcome. Lessons are customized and catered to the needs/goals of each student. Not only will you be playing songs in the first few weeks, but you will be building a strong foundation of ear training, fingering technique and more. So lets get our funk on!!!Curtis "C Funk" Johnson

About Curtis

Professional Studio Musician and Live performance. Toured with many Country, Zydeco, R&B, Funk and Gospel bands. Experienced teacher of 10 years, specializing in the beginner/intermediate guitar/advanced bass guitar students. Many of my students have gone on the become professionals, holding there own in the music industry. Even if you're not interested in becoming a professional player, by us working together we can accomplish your own personal goals. So, let's get started!!!

Curtis J.

Curtis J.

About Emily B.

Since I'm a performing musician, I can teach you how to perform in a solo and/or band setting.

I'm reliable and patient with excellent communication skills.

Results are guaranteed.

About Emily

I'm a performing musician who enjoys sharing my love and knowledge of music with others. I enjoy teaching beginning students - both children and adults. It's important for me to teach students everything they need to know in order to be able to sight read and/or play by ear. As a performing musician, I'll also teach you how to perform in both solo and band settings.

I'm reliable and easy going with great communication skills. I make learning fun and results are guaranteed.

Emily B.

Emily B.

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Guitar Lesson Reviews from Students

Students are raving about their Guitar instructors on TakeLessons.
Check out some of these recent reviews.

Review by Tushar

"Thank you Michael for a wonderful start. Tushar had"

Chicago, IL teacher:
Michael S.

Review by Scott

"Previous to taking lessons with Matt, I took some lessons with other local teachers. The other teachers didn't really seem to be invested in teaching or t

o enjoy it. Matt really seems to care about teaching and genuinely seems to love helping people learn. I've been taking lessons with Matt for about a year now. My friends and family are always very impressed with how much I've improved over the past year."

...

Chicago, IL teacher:
Matt B.

Review by Carla

"l love this guy.

Dave is such a great teacher. He is very patient and understanding. I have learned so much with him in one month, then l have learned in

four months with the other instructor l had. He makes learning fun, and I'm understanding what I'm doing now."

...

Chicago, IL teacher:
Dave K.

Review by Kyunglok

"Michael is a great teacher. He really cares about his students and takes teaching seriously. Currently, I am learning Jazz and Blues from him, and it is s

o much fun to learn new licks, theories, and applications. Michael really tries hard not to make me feel bored. He sends out weekly practice schedules after each lesson, which I think is very helpful. Overall, I think I was very fortunate that I have him as a teacher. I highly recommend Michael as your guitar teacher. p.s. you can learn jazz and blues via Skype, which I think is super-cool."

...

Chicago, IL teacher:
Michael S.

Review by Colleen

"Paul has a good understanding of theory and technique, very helpful for a beginner like me! He’s also patient and flexible with scheduling."

Chicago, IL teacher:
Paul W.

Review by Mark

"I took lessons with Matt for about 2 years. I think I gained a solid enough foundation to explore just about any new technique or style on my own. He's an

excellent teacher, great player, and an all around nice guy."

...

Chicago, IL teacher:
Matt B.

Review by Jesse

"I have been taking online lessons with Paul for four months now. He creates focused lessons that not only help my playing but greatly expand my knowledge

of theory. He is great at taking your input on what you hope to get out of the lessons. He is very open to working with my busy schedule. The online lessons are a great way for someone with limited free time to playing. I highly recommend taking lessons from Paul."

...

Chicago, IL teacher:
Paul W.

Review by Sally

"Matt is an excellent guitar teacher. I highly recommend him.

Matt has been teaching guitar to my 12 year old son for several months now. My sons' guitar

playing has improved greatly since his lessons with Matt. He's playing with a lot more confidence, thanks to Matt's influence.

Matt is always on time and has a wonderful way with people. My son feels very comfortable with him. They collaborate on songs together and it is important to Matt that Jude be engaged in his guitar practice.

We're thrilled with Matt and I highly recommend him as a teacher.Any aspiring guitar player would be lucky to have Matt as a teacher!"

...

Chicago, IL teacher:
Mathew B.

Review by Gary

"All Good
Dave is thorough and knowledgeable
Looking forward to future lessons"

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